Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The rain gradually tapered off on the way home.

It was only then that I noticed someone was following behind Xie Shanyu.

At first, I had assumed it was just a stranger who happened to be heading the same way.

“Who is he?”

“I was worried you’d be overworked, Zhaozhao, so I bought someone to help you with the chores.”

Xie Shanyu spoke with a beaming smile. “I pawned that dagger. It should be enough to last us for a while.”

As he spoke, he pulled a brocade pouch from his robes.

He opened it to reveal a bag filled to the brim with gold leaves.

“!”

I immediately shoved the pouch back into his arms, glancing nervously to the left and right.

I only breathed a sigh of relief once I realized no one was paying attention to us.

Then, I lectured him sternly, “Don’t show me things like this until we’re home. You shouldn’t flaunt your wealth, do you understand?”

Xie Shanyu nodded obediently. “My wife is right to scold me.”

“Also, I’m very quick with my work and don’t need any help. You should take him back,”

I said. “Let’s save this money so we can use it slowly for our future together.”

Xie Shanyu looked at me, then looked at the man.

Then he said, “Actually, his name is Xuan Zhou. Like me, he was a male favorite sold into the Southern Breeze Pavilion by his family. I went there today specifically to rescue him. He has nowhere else to go now and only wishes to stay with us for a bite to eat.”

Xuan Zhou looked shocked. “Your High-”

Xie Shanyu shot him a look, and he immediately shut his mouth.

I asked in confusion, “Your what?”

“It’s nothing.”

Xuan Zhou cupped his fists toward me. “It is true. I am unwilling to submit to being a male favorite. I beg you to take me in, Miss.”